Willows wrestler hurt in scrimmage at LLHS

LOWER LAKE -- Willows High School 220-pounder Harrison Polk sustained a neck injury Thursday evening while taking part in a scrimmage at the Lower Lake High School wrestling room and was transported by air ambulance to U.C. Davis in Sacramento.

He had movement in both of his arms and legs but was in "considerable pain," according to current Willows High School and former Upper Lake wrestling coach Tom Cox.

"I think the long-term prognosis is he'll be OK," Cox said. "He had movement in his extremities, he was just in a lot of pain. They were being extra careful with him."

Cox said he didn't witness the injury but Lower Lake High School wrestling coach Ed Fuchs said one of his wrestlers landed on Polk's neck.

"It wasn't a violent slam or anything like that," Fuchs said. "The kids kept wrestling for a little bit until we stopped it. He didn't cry out in pain immediately."

According to Fuchs, a Willows parent who said he was an EMT and Lower Lake's coaches made sure Polk remained perfectly still on the mat until medical personnel could reach the scene.

"My assistant, Troy Dahneke, was right there when it happened," Fuchs said. "We were right on it."

Cox said three matches were going on at the same time when Polk sustained his injury.

"I wasn't watching," Cox said.

Fuchs said one of his own wrestlers, Dominic Cole, sustained a similar injury at almost the exact same time a year ago.

"Maybe we shouldn't wrestle during this week," Fuchs said. "It was scary, but it looks like he (Polk) is going to be OK. I hope so."